Let’s talk about “it”- National Bladder Health Week

It seems just about any given week or month you can find a cause or organization proclaim “It’s national {fill in the blank} week!” It happens so often that we sometimes turn a blind eye to this information. I would like to open your eyes for a few moments and let you learn a little about National Bladder Health Week.

This week, across the nation, health care professionals have organized local events where pelvic health topics such as prolapse, incontinence and other pelvic floor disorders will be discussed. The hope is these events will give women the knowledge and confidence they need to evaluate their own pelvic health and address these issues with their physicians.

It can be difficult to talk about incontinence or vaginal bulges, even with your doctor. Remember you are not alone:

Pelvic Floor Disorder (PFD) is NOT a normal part of aging that you should live with. Age is a risk factor but women and men of all ages develop PFD and there are treatments.

Many are too embarrassed. Don’t be- these are very common problems. 1 out of every 3 women suffer from PFD.

More than 50 percent of women age 55 and older suffer one or more of the problems caused by PFD.

More than half (60 percent) of nursing home occupants suffer from loss of bowel control and/or urinary incontinence. It is a significant reason for placing someone in a nursing home.

Patient with fecal and urinary incontinence have a high incidence of depression, isolation and low self-esteem.